All Saints’ Pet Service“This year, All Saints’ had a Pet Blessing as part of their Sunday morning 'J Service' and this was a great success with good attendance and everyone really joining in a thanksgiving to God for his wonderful creation. There were all sorts of animals - mostly dogs but also rabbits, guinea pigs and small animals in cages. The service attracted children with their pets and people who wouldn't normally attend church services, as well as the regular congregation bringing their pets! Youth worker Katy gave a thought provoking talk with slides on the animals in the Bible, asking how God could be identified through their characteristics. There was even a working 'Pat Dog' with her owner who explained how much comfort a dog can be to people in care homes, hospitals etc. At the end of the service everybody had refreshments and the animals had theirs, too - dog biscuits, cat biscuits and biscuits for rabbits and rodents! Amazingly the animals all behaved perfectly and seemed to enjoy the service as much as their owners!" [by Pam Sales; photo courtesy of Margaret Broad]
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